American ginseng is a herbaceous perennial plant in the ivy family, commonly used as Chinese or herbal medicine. An extract is sold as Cold-fX. It is native to eastern North America, though it is also cultivated in places such as China.

Common name: Panax quinquefoliusColor: Yellowish-green to greenish-whiteBloom time: June to JulyHeight: 0.75 to 1.50 feetDifficulty level: easy to grow

Planting & CareUnderstand the wild-simulated ginseng growing method. This method mimics the plant s natural environment. While ginseng grown this way typically takes eight years to mature, the end result is much more valuable than field-cultivated ginseng due to its color and shape. You may attempt to alter this process by using artificial shade or tilling the soil, but then you will be growing woods-grown ginseng, which may grow into a different, less valuable shape.

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil: well-drained soil

Water: Medium

Temprature: 50°F.

Fertilizer: Apply any organic fertilizer

Care:

Once the plants have matured, they will produce a cluster of red berries with the seed in the center.

Pick these in the fall if you want to harvest the seeds for planting or selling.

Keep in mind they will need to be stratified as described under Preparing the Seeds.

Special Feature:An interesting and increasingly rare native plant for shade areas. Best in herb gardens, native plant gardens, woodland gardens or shade gardens. Generally not grown in borders due to lack of sufficient ornamental interest.UseMedicinal use: